BOASTING more shifty cover versions than an Irish boy band, Sounds favourites The Toe, pictured, play their Christmas show in Barfly on Saturday.

In a scene where everyone takes themselves far too seriously, The Toe and their pseudo punk tunes probably couldn't if they tried.

Their engaging gigs are about having a laugh, taking a few risks, even dressing up as eggs, and hats off to them for it.

If you are looking for something different I guarantee real entertainment tomorrow night. Go and see them - entry is a fiver.

And to make a night of it, why not pop over the Clwb Ifor Bach afterwards where Manchester-based acid funk guru Justin Robertson is spinning a selection of his tunes.

Robertson was honed on the likes of the Fall, Joy Division and the Smiths before getting caught up with the Hacienda scene in the late 80s, and his club night Spice, gave the likes of the Chemical Brothers and Sasha some of their first doses of Northern exposure.

He will be mashing up the hip-hop, house and drum and bass with Doc Scott as guests of the Precinct night. Entry is £6.

But if you are looking for something a little more abrasive, then there is only one gig on this week - thanks to veteran punk legends, UK Subs.

Formed on the wave that followed the Damned and the Sex Pistols 1977 debuts, UK Subs are now established as one of the few original pioneers of punk rock still touring regularly.

The United Kingdom Subversives to give them their full original name - which just wouldn't fit on the back of their fans leather jackets! - peaked in the late 70s and early 80s when they had three top 30 hits and for a taster of their paint stripping live shows, check out the Crash Course LP.

They play in Pulsars in Caerphilly on Sunday, with support from 8.4% and Foreign Legion.

Tickets are £6 call 02920 860490 for details.

Meanwhile, it seems that most local bands have swapped their guitars for mince pies, charades and the Sound of Music this week.

So, thanks to Headtest who will offer some relief with their Christmas party in TJ's on Thursday night.

The ever-improving five piece, with added edge since signing up Varispeed's Dave Corten as singer, are headlining with support from local bands Wildge and The Fuzz Effect.